Clive Palmer and John Bjelke-Petersen at yesterday’s announcement at Kingaroy. Mr Bjelke-Petersen unsuccessfully contested the State seat of Nanango for the Nationals twice, losing both times to independent Dorothy Pratt.South Burnett Times

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John Bjelke-Petersen slams govt ad spend waste

JOHN Bjelke-Petersen has questioned the amount of taxpayer money the Newman government is spending on advertising ahead of the next state election.

The Palmer United Party Queensland leader and candidate for Callide, said in the lead up to the March 2015 election Queenslanders have been bombarded with endless amounts of political advertising from the Newman government.

He said the Queensland has spent more on advertising in the year to June 30 this year than the 2011/12 financial year.

"Queenslanders are currently being bombarded with more than $1 million worth of taxpayer advertising a week from the Newman government," the son of former Queensland Premier Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen said.

"The Newman government has spent almost $13.5 million on the 'Strong Choices' campaign in a bid to persuade Queenslanders that selling or leasing our state owned assets is a good idea.

"Other taxpayer funded advertising has focused on reduced waiting lists, GP visits, improved services such as health, education and law and order and better access to government services.

"Enough is enough. What we are seeing in Queensland is blatant, over the top advertising from a government who is scrambling to promote anything and everything ahead of the next election."

Mr Bjelke-Petersen said the ads are not essential advertising and under the government's code of conduct but "propaganda'.